PRINEVILLE, Ore. – A 44-year old Prineville man was arrested on outstanding warrants and more than a dozen new charges after he led officers on a lengthy and at times high-speed pursuit before the stolen vehicle he was driving became stuck in the snow, deputies reported.

Lee had fled prior to deputies’ arrival in a white Ford pickup, and was spotted in the passenger position of the vehicle as he forced his wife at knifepoint to drive in the rear parking lot of the U.S. Forest Service building. Lee fled the Ford pickup and got into a 2003 Dodge pickup which deputies later learned was stolen on Wednesday and hidden in the lot, the sergeant stated in a news release.

Lee failed to stop the stolen vehicle and fled through Prineville and North onto Mckay Road toward the Ochocos Mountains, Chase said. Deputies were joined in the pursuit by Prineville Police officers and Oregon State Police Troopers. The chase continued at speeds in excess of 90 mph about ten miles north to Allen Creek Road, and up the mountain into the snow. About eight miles off the paved road, Lee’s vehicle became stuck in the snow and he was subsequently taken into custody.

Lee was transported to the Crook County Jail and was charged with the outstanding warrants and more than a dozen new charges which included those stemming from the pursuit and having allegedly assaulted and held his wife against her will during the previous 24 hours, Sgt. Chase said.